[Image: Attracting Wild Life]As you strive to attract wildlife to your yards and gardens, remember the conditions you develop may also attract some species you would rather not encounter.
1. Moles. The eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus) is an insectivorous animal closely related to shrews and bats. Although they remove many damaging insects and grubs from lawns and gardens, their burrowing habits in search of this food disfigure lawns, destroy flower beds and small garden plots and tear up the roots of grasses. Traps and poisons are considered to be the most effective methods for controlling moles.
2. Armadillos. The burrowing and rooting activities of the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) aggravate landowners. The majority of the digging activity is done while searching for food. Almost 90 percent of the armadillo diet consists of insects and larvae that are often more numerous in well-maintained landscapes. Armadillos are classified as outlaw quadrupeds, which makes lethal control legal year-round during daylight hours. Where local ordinances permit, shooting is the recommended method of lethal control. Live trapping and relocation is also a control option.
3. Tree squirrels. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) are the two species found in Louisiana. Any timbered habitat maintained for wildlife in a landscape is sure to attract these animals that cause a greater array of problems than any other wildlife species. Squirrels damage trees by chewing bark from branches and trunks, and their voracious diet for nuts, fruits, vegetables, flowers and buds wreaks havoc in yards and gardens. Their habits of gnawing on wires, wood siding and lead vent pipes cause additional problems for homeowners, along with the raiding of bird feeders. The close association of these animals with our forested urban environment, along with their game status has created a management dilemma in our landscapes. As game animals, squirrels are protected within specific hunting seasons and bag limits. Even with this option, local firearm ordinances often make it illegal to discharge a firearm at any time within city limits. Outside of legally hunting squirrels during the established open season, lethal control is an option in only two instances:
- (1) When squirrels enter a residence or other building, homeowners have the option of using lethal control to deal with the problem.
- (2) Commercial pecan growers may obtain a 30-day permit to use lethal control on squirrels damaging their crops.
Although many repellents are labeled for squirrel control, most are not developed for use on food crops. Like all repellents, their usefulness is limited by time and weather conditions. Trying to exclude squirrels from an area is a hard task when dealing with such a nimble critter, making live-trapping and relocation the best control measure.
4. Snakes. Snakes are a natural and essential part of the ecosystem and are beneficial to any wildlife habitat. Most people, however, do not enjoy strolling around the yard or garden and encountering these species. Remember, many of the same conditions and plant species that attract birds and other desirable wildlife can also attract snakes. Several snake repellents are often touted as effective deterrents for snakes. There is no research that supports these claims! The most effective deterrent for snakes is to minimize ground cover and food availability. Doing one or both of these things may also reduce the attractiveness of your yard or garden to other wildlife species. Remember, most species of snakes are nonpoisonous. Within a species list that numbers around 40, only six species of poisonous snakes are known to inhabit Louisiana. All snakes want to be left alone and, if encountered, will quickly try to get out of your way. If you encounter a snake, the best policy is to back away and let it move away from you. Also, wearing shoes or boots and gloves when working in the garden is a good idea. If bitten by any snake, seek medical attention. If you truly want a garden that is attractive to a diverse wildlife population, snakes may occasionally be part of the deal.
5. Spiders. All species of spiders have venom and can bite. Most bites only produce mild irritation and minimal pain, if any, and usually have no complications. Two relatively common species, the brown recluse and the black widow can bite and inject venom that can cause more serious complications. Bites are seldom fatal but can cause severe pain and tissue necrosis if left untreated. Both of these spiders like dry, dark places. Avoid reaching into these areas with unprotected hands. As with snakes, wearing gloves is a good idea, and long sleeves when temperatures permit is also advised.